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Gold

Gold

Survive at any cost

202297 minRMidcredits score: 23rd percentile of all films
Director
Anthony Hayes
Starring
Zac Efron, Anthony Hayes, Susie Porter, Andreas Sobik

In the not-too-distant future, two drifters traveling through the desert stumble across the biggest gold nugget ever found and the dream of immense wealth and greed takes hold. They hatch a plan to excavate their bounty, with one man leaving to secure the necessary tools while the other remains with the gold. The man who remains must endure harsh desert elements, ravenous wild dogs, and mysterious intruders, while battling the sinking suspicion that he has been abandoned to his fate.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Gold?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Gold streaming on Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Gold?

Gold earns 4 badges, led by Overhyped and Unsettling.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Gold worth watching?

Gold's Midcredits score is the 23rd percentile of all films, from 30K ratings across 6 sources. 27% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

23rd percentile

Better received than 23% of films

37th percentile among Action24th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)31st
Approval (how many liked it)18th

56 /100

31st percentile of all films

47th percentile among Action34th percentile among 2020s

Critics 48 · Audience 56

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

27% liked it

18th percentile of all films

30th percentile among Action20th percentile among 2020s
27% rated it 7–1073% rated it 1–6

Critics 65% · Audience 40%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 11 noms overall

93rd percentile

30K ratings across platforms

86th percentile among Action94th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 51% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$6.5M
Domestic gross$100K
Worldwide gross$176K

Returned 0.0× its budget — 22nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A minimalist survival thriller about greed set in a barren desert with Zac Efron carrying the film mostly alone.

Fans praised

  • Zac Efron's committed, physically transformative performance
  • visceral desert atmosphere and striking cinematography
  • unflinching portrait of greed and human desperation

Detractors panned

  • painfully slow pacing with minimal plot development
  • illogical character decisions (needless guarding of gold)
  • unresolved world-building and lack of backstory

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive72

oppressive, immersive desert isolation

CinematographyDivisive68

striking desert vistas but washed-out grade criticized

ActingDivisive65

Efron's transformative, physically demanding solo performance

TensionDivisive45

slow-build suspense diluted by monotony

EndingDivisive40

divisive; some find it abrupt and unsatisfying

Plot and storyDivisive35

simple premise undermined by illogical decisions and predictability

PacingDivisive30

excruciatingly slow, especially middle section

CharactersDivisive30

thinly written, no backstory or arc

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 10 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Gold like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its grim subject with earnest seriousness, never undercutting the bleakness.
The rideThe film maintains a steady, oppressive tension throughout, with the heaviest emotional weight in the final act when the protagonist is killed and betrayal is revealed.
StructureThe story is told linearly from the protagonist's journey to his demise.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's bleak ending and the betrayal leave a lingering unease and provoke reflection on greed.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% (this title) · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Obsession: A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows a drifter left to guard a gold nugget in the desert, whose greed leads to a tragic survival ordeal.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% (this title) · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalGreed · 3% of filmsIsolation · 5% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film focuses on a man struggling to survive alone in a brutal desert while his desire for gold drives him to increasingly desperate choices.
StanceThe film presents greed and isolation as forces that destroy the protagonist, serving as a cautionary tale about the corrosive nature of desire.

The world

Near futureWildernessRealistic
Orchestral classicalAmbientSupportive music · original score · Antony Partos
Settinga barren desert near a compound, some time in a near-future wasteland

Content guide

Is Gold okay for kids?

R

Gold is rated R: “Rated R for language and some violent content” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (78/100), sexual content at minimal (0/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (39/100) and frightening material at moderate (43/100). Its drug and alcohol content has too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 35% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 8 other countries
  • UK15
  • CanadaR
  • Germany16
  • Brazil16
  • LTN-16
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia16+
  • Spain12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 60% of all filmsHeavier than 35% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 61%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 1%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 49%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 26%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence and language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Gold have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Gold?

Cast

2 of the 6 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Zac Efron
as Man One
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Anthony Hayes
as Man Two
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Susie Porter
as The Stranger
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Andreas Sobik
as Outpost Attendant
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Akuol Ngot
as Mother on Train
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Thiik Biar
as Baby on Train
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Gold?

Movies like Gold include Hell (2011), I.S.S. (2023) and The Survivalist (2015). Of the 12 closest matches, most are survival stories, and most are films set in the near future.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Gold?

214 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: neo-western. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.